Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking, Biking and Paddling in the Seeley-Swan Valley of Western Montana

Frequently asked Questions about HIKING, BIKING AND PADDLING IN THE Seeley-Swan Valley

Biking Hiking Paddling Links Contact Us Terms of Use Site Map	Frequently-Asked Questions Does your site show all of the trails to hike or ride and lakes to paddle? As far as hiking and biking goes, our site shows just a sampling of some of the many trails in the area. Our list of lakes is more complete, and we've covered all the lakes of any size in the valley. When are the best times to visit? “Best” is somewhat subjective. However, for paddling, the lakes are not ice-free until late April or early May. Even then, they are extremely cold. Proper equipment and self-rescue skills are essential because hypothermia is a serious risk in the event of a capsize. Waterfowl is most abundant in the spring and early summer, often with babies in tow. In July and August, power boaters ply the waters of all of the big lakes from around 10 a.m. until dusk, so peace and quiet can be hard to come by. Also, sudden thunderstorms with lightening and strong winds blow through regularly on summer afternoons. That said, June days, early mornings in July and August, and anytime in September or October are probably the best for the larger lakes. For the smaller lakes, any time from June through October should be very nice. For both hiking and biking, snow (or lack thereof) is the controlling factor. In an average snow year, some trails at higher elevations may not be accessible until June. For wildflowers, June and July are probably the best, but the mosquitoes can be ferocious then as well so bug spray is a must. Trails are most crowded in July and August, when the weather is at its best. September and October tend to be less crowded, and fall colors in October can make any outdoor excursion a magical one. Why don’t you have anything on horseback riding? Our web site is focused on self-propelled recreation. There are other groups that focus on backcountry travel using horses, and more information about them can be found on our Links page. I can see Summit Lake right along highway 83. Why isn’t it on your list of lakes to paddle? Summit Lake is a beautiful scenic overlook. However, there is no real access to the lake’s edge. As you walk down the hill to the lake, you will discover that it is marshy and vegetated as you approach the water. You will be wading in water and mud before you get to a point where you actually have enough water to launch much of anything. If I get stranded on one of the back roads or injured on a trail, can I use a cell phone to call for help? Cell service is reliable in and around the town of Seeley Lake. Don’t count on using a cell phone to call for help anywhere else in the valley, though. You should carry whatever safety equipment you might deem appropriate for the vehicle you are driving, along with a first aid kit. Copyright © 2008 *Spirit of Nature Photos*. All rights reserved.

Frequently-Asked Questions

Does your site show all of the trails to hike or ride and lakes to paddle?

As far as hiking and biking goes, our site shows just a sampling of some of the many trails in the area. Our list of lakes is more complete, and we've covered all the lakes of any size in the valley.

When are the best times to visit?

“Best” is somewhat subjective. However, for paddling, the lakes are not ice-free until late April or early May. Even then, they are extremely cold. Proper equipment and self-rescue skills are essential because hypothermia is a serious risk in the event of a capsize.

Waterfowl is most abundant in the spring and early summer, often with babies in tow.   In July and August, power boaters ply the waters of all of the big lakes from around 10 a.m. until dusk, so peace and quiet can be hard to come by. Also, sudden thunderstorms with lightening and strong winds blow through regularly on summer afternoons. That said, June days, early mornings in July and August, and anytime in September or October are probably the best for the larger lakes. For the smaller lakes, any time from June through October should be very nice.

For both hiking and biking, snow (or lack thereof) is the controlling factor. In an average snow year, some trails at higher elevations may not be accessible until June. For wildflowers, June and July are probably the best, but the mosquitoes can be ferocious then as well so bug spray is a must.   Trails are most crowded in July and August, when the weather is at its best. September and October tend to be less crowded, and fall colors in October can make any outdoor excursion a magical one.

Why don’t you have anything on horseback riding?

Our web site is focused on self-propelled recreation. There are other groups that focus on backcountry travel using horses, and more information about them can be found on our Links page.

I can see Summit Lake right along highway 83. Why isn’t it on your list of lakes to paddle?

Summit Lake is a beautiful scenic overlook. However, there is no real access to the lake’s edge. As you walk down the hill to the lake, you will discover that it is marshy and vegetated as you approach the water. You will be wading in water and mud before you get to a point where you actually have enough water to launch much of anything.

If I get stranded on one of the back roads or injured on a trail, can I use a cell phone to call for help?

Cell service is reliable in and around the town of Seeley Lake. Don’t count on using a cell phone to call for help anywhere else in the valley, though. You should carry whatever safety equipment you might deem appropriate for the vehicle you are driving, along with a first aid kit.

Copyright © 2008 Spirit of Nature Photos.    All rights reserved.